Disbelief ripples through the Squamish community as authorities release a driver involved in a disturbing hit-and-run incident that left witnesses traumatized and raising serious questions about public safety. The decision has sparked outrage among residents, particularly those who witnessed the alarming event firsthand.
“I still can’t believe what I saw,” recounts Michael Brennan, who witnessed the incident from less than twenty meters away. “This driver deliberately accelerated toward a pedestrian, struck them, and then fled the scene without showing any concern for the victim. How someone like that can be released back into the community so quickly defies comprehension.”
According to police reports obtained by CO24 News, the incident occurred near downtown Squamish when a vehicle allegedly veered off its expected path, striking a pedestrian before leaving the scene. First responders arrived minutes later, treating the victim for injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening.
The swift release of the suspect has raised significant concerns about the criteria being applied in such cases. Legal experts speaking with CO24 Canada suggest that such decisions typically hinge on factors including criminal history, flight risk assessment, and the perceived threat to public safety—all considerations that witnesses feel should have warranted longer detention.
“There’s a documented history of dangerous driving here,” says criminal justice analyst Priya Sharma. “The Criminal Code treats hit-and-run incidents seriously, particularly when there appears to be intent. The community deserves transparency about why standard detention protocols weren’t followed in this case.”
The RCMP has confirmed they’ve launched a thorough investigation, with forensic evidence being collected from both the scene and the suspect’s vehicle. Sources close to the investigation indicate video evidence from nearby businesses is being examined to establish a complete timeline of events.
Community safety advocates have expressed concern that the release sends a troubling message about accountability. “When someone commits an act that endangers public safety and then attempts to evade responsibility, there need to be immediate consequences,” says Denise Wallace, coordinator for the Squamish Safe Streets Initiative. “Otherwise, what deterrent exists?”
For witnesses like Brennan, the psychological impact remains significant. “I keep replaying it in my mind,” he explains. “The sound of impact, the victim being thrown, and then watching the driver speed away—it’s haunting. Knowing that person is back on our streets feels fundamentally wrong.”
The victim continues to recover from injuries while receiving support from victim services. Meanwhile, CO24 Politics reports that local officials are calling for a review of release protocols in cases involving deliberate vehicular incidents.
As this case progresses through the justice system, Squamish residents are left wondering: At what point does public safety outweigh an individual’s right to pre-trial release, especially in cases where deliberate harm appears to have been inflicted?
